Slate - the vehicle we have been needing

[Alex Snyder]

Slate

Slate Auto | The Customizable EV That Works for You

www.slate.auto

If you haven't seen this $25,000 EV that you can customize into... nearly anything, then you should check it out. We have needed a cheap new pickup (remember the old Isuzu PuP - we used to sell them for $4,995 + $495 freight + a $199 processing fee) to have on our streets and it is an EV. What could better for local businesses?

Or be cool and make it look like a Bronco

 

[Chris Apostalides]

I built one for shits and giggles. With reasonable accessories, plus wall charger, you're at $31k. Add in a few more upgrades that "current pricing is unavailable" for and you're likely at $33-$34k.

That's for the blank slate model. The fastback starts at $32k.

 

[joe.pistell]

Is Slate going to copy the Harley Davidson model and build a platform with the intent for users to spend big $$$ on customizing and accessorizing?

 

[Alex Snyder]

Is Slate going to copy the Harley Davidson model and build a platform with the intent for users to spend big $$$ on customizing and accessorizing?

It looks that way, but far more reasonable pricing than Harley. I think their aim is affordability over chrome.

 

[AlexCaradonna]

Interested to see if REO — Built Like It Used To Be ends up making it to the production line. Big shift being ICE w/ estimated 600 mile range. Slate making a lot of the swaps on the vehicle being DIY is a pretty neat idea.

 

[Zack_AF]

Will be interesting to see how this plays out. It's definately a unique play and I think the only real miss is the lack of 4wd at launch.
Should be a good starting point though to see how many the people that say they want something bare bones will follow through along with what EV demand is like at an entry level price point.

They need Zeus from the old Scion commercials for marketing.

 

[joe.pistell]

I just watched the video, finally, a fresh new way to look at a personal vehicle that isn't two-thirds technology.

I see this as a spark to create a wonderful new wave of product innovation in our industry. This platform that is nearly infinitely customizable, and make it affordable will cause our sleeping, stuffy OEMs to realize that the Harley-Davidson model can work in automotive. Its much more than electric colored wraps, it allows the buyer to, through a modular system, customize the platform or not.

Buy the slate in March, get a work bonus later, and put on those running boards and the stereo. Get some extra cash saved up and plug in a remote start preconditioning unit. A well-designed platform will be plug and play.

This has home run written all over it, and it's a complete reset on the unaffordability of new cars.